EC Considers Sanctions Concessions to Greece and Other EU Members
L'essentiel
- The European Commission may amend its 21st sanctions package against Russia, considering concessions to Greece, Germany, Portugal, France, Italy, and Austria due to conflicts with EU economic interests.
- This follows reports of opposition from several member states.
Résumé généré par IA
Pourquoi c'est important
The European Commission is considering amending its 21st package of sanctions against Russia due to opposition from several EU member states whose economic interests are reportedly contradicted by the proposed restrictions.
BRUSSELS, July 20. /TASS/. The European Commission (EC) may make concessions to Greece and amend certain provisions of the 21st package of sanctions against Russia as they contradict the economic interests of the bloc itself, the European Politico edition reported, citing sources.
"We’re trying to find a way out of this (approval of a package of restrictions - TASS), but what this [issue with Greece] shows is that we’re starting to collide with some key [European] interests," a source among European diplomats said.
The EU’s executive is assessing the economic impact of the sanctions package, the newspaper noted. According to Politico, the economic analysis could be presented on July 22 at a meeting of EU ambassadors. Additionally, the EC may remove provisions concerning the Austrian bank Raiffeisen from the 21st package and add a clause regarding the freezing of the price cap on Russian oil.
On July 19, the British newspaper Financial Times reported that Greece had opposed new sanctions as the European Commission’s ban on transportation of Russian LNG could hit the shipping company Dynagas. Germany and Portugal are pushing for easing restrictions on the purchase of Russian fish, citing the need to support their processing facilities. The newspaper emphasized that France and Italy, as major European tourist destinations, want a relaxation of visa policies for Russian citizens. Meanwhile, Austria has once again requested the unfreezing of assets linked to Raiffeisen Bank.
À surveiller
Perspective IA — des possibilités, pas des certitudes
The EC will present an economic analysis of the sanctions package.
Très probable · En quelques jours
The EC may remove provisions concerning Raiffeisen from the 21st package.
Possible · En quelques jours
Questions ouvertes
- What specific provisions will be removed or added to the sanctions package?
- How will EU ambassadors react to the economic analysis on July 22?
- Will the concessions satisfy the opposing member states?
